I've had many, many Dobes over 25 years(about 300). Needless to say, I think you cann't find a better breed anywhere.
However, when my last one died, I didn't replace her. I was tired of ear and tail cropping---and with all the animal do gooders without enough brains to blow their noses pushing anti-cropping legislation everywhere, it was getting to be a real problem with shows, working, puppy sales.
And, I was getting tired of the "Oh, they're vicious, turn on their owners, attack and kill anything they see.......bullcompost."(You get a little of that with GSD's, but NOTHING like you do with Dobes.
I had had all colors in my kennel,(black, red, blue, fawn) and was fond of fawn color. So I looked into Weimaraners---I'd worked with a few training before, but never owned one. Well, after I got Enka, there were many times that I thought to myself that without the ears cropped or the typical Dobe markings it is really hard to tell a fawn Dobe from a Weim---especially if you are more than a few feet away. As for temperament, intelligence and working ability they are completely the same.
I got Enka and Dixie just about the same time. Enka was about 2 months older, got her first, did puppy training then brought Dixie in. I couldn't have made a better choice, the two breeds are very complimentary to each other.
Doberman is one of the best breeds you can possibly pick in my opinion. The croppinng is a lot of added work though and difficult for someone who isn't experienced with it.
Before you make your final decision, look at Weimaraners too.
Here are my Weimaraner boards:
European Weimaraners
MSN Weimaraners